Buena Vista Araperique Cigars

As one of the most significant cigar importers in Germany, Arnold André has now indulged in a "proper" house brand in the long-filler category. Originally manufactured by their long-term partner La Aurora, these cigars are now produced in Arnold André's own Tabacalera in the Dominican Republic. A unique tobacco has been processed in a way that hasn't been seen before.

The distinctive aspect is the Brazilian Arapiraca used in the filler, which has been treated in a special manner. In the world of pipe tobacco, it's common to ferment tobaccos additionally in old whisky barrels under increased pressure. This has now been done with the Brazilian tobacco for over 12 months: the result is a very dark, particularly robust, and aromatic filler tobacco that gives these Dominican cigars a unique twist.

This new brand features a novel tobacco in the filler: Araperique - a blend of Arapiraca and Perique. The Brazilian Arapiraca is fermented using the Perique method, known in the world of pipe tobacco. In Perique, the tobacco is moistened and pressed in wooden barrels under high pressure. The resulting liquid supports the fermentation process, which can last for over a year. And how does the new Araperique tobacco taste in the cigar? Certainly not like pipe tobacco, but during the initial tasting, we can discern an interesting fruity note.

As an additional highlight, a frame filled with pieces of tobacco ribs is included around the cigars in the box. While these are not smokable, they definitely add to the visual appeal! In May 2015, two more vitolas were added: a Belicoso and a Petit Corona. Unlike all the others, the smaller format is delivered in boxes of 30 pieces.